I have a guy who wants to buy the SBC and TH350 out of my '55. I'm not sure of the displacement (until I pull a head and measure) but it runs well, doesn't blow smoke, has good compression in all cylinders, and edelbrock intake manifold and 4bbl carb. The tranny shifts well (no shift kit installed) and has no apparent leaking. What should I ask? He's a friend so I want to price it fairly.
If he's a friend and a car guy, trade labor or parts and keep money out of the deal if you can. Also, there's easier ways to find the displacement w/o pulling a head. Run the block #'s, etc.
A grand for a friend 1500 for anyone else, have you built one lately, prices on parts are getting higher as well as machine work.
Thanks, guys! HRTH - I've bought parts from him over the years (bare block, MFI, wheels, etc.) so the cash part of it won't be a problem. He also suggested running the block # but if it's been bored or stroked I'd like him to know exactly what he's getting so there's no misrepresentation. 34 - Yeah, this is why I'm getting input from HAMBers. Everything is getting more expensive so I want to make sure both he and I are getting a fair price.
I wouldn't want to go through the trouble pulling the engine and then hear it's really not what I want. HRP
I have a 389 at the machine shop now and the bill for a set of pistons and gaskets along with standard machine work is 1700. You don't want to sell your stuff and then be like me no ride! Good luck Do you have another motor in mind? Blown BBC Chevy? COOL!
Check Craigslist to see what similar combo's are going for in your area to get an idea on $. Maybe charge a bit of a premium because the buyer can see it run. Buying a used motor and tranny is not the same as buying a fresh rebuild, so I don't think you can charge the same as that.
That's why I want to pull a head. I want him to have accurate info on size, etc. I have a finished engine/trans to replace it with so that won't be a problem. I'll check CL....
For identification,check the numbers pad on the passenger side front of the block for the suffix code, and do a google search for small block Chevy suffix codes. This will tell you what your engine was born as. If it is a stroker, you should be able to identify it by the harmonic balancer, as stroker cranks tend to be externally balanced.(correct where/if i'm wrong guys) I'd be hard pressed to pay more than 750 for the setup described, but I am cheap.
I'm in the $750 tops group. Used but running I can find pretty easily around here for $500 for the pair usually. This is assuming everything is stock. I also have a friend that will go through the tranny for $50 plus parts so I don't worry much about the tranny.
I'd go with $750 too. I bought a stock crate engine with $20k miles for $400 off CL, but I had to watch long and hard for that. You can get TH350s for $250 all day long on CL.
You better sell that motor fast, it started out worth 1000-1500 now its down to 500 to a friend. If you wait any longer you will have to pay to get it out of your yard.
Local U-Pull-It, Motors are $150 trans are $75. This is for a motor you can hear run and they pull it. $75 for a motor that you pull from the rows. That is the least it would be worth. There are still 350 Chevy motors there, fresh ones every day.
I just paid $400 for a strong running 350 from a friend, and an extra $100 for the aluminum radiator and exhaust
Doesn't anybody think that identification is the key to value? A real Z-28 302 is a lot more valuable than an Impala 307.
You are on the same page as me, 51Merc! I'd like to let him know exactly what he's getting. Plus, he's the one who approached me so that's why I am trying to get a feel for what the right price is. But you're right, jmpowie. The price is dropping like a ROCK!!!
Too funny A motor/trans that you slide into place, wire up and go down the road should be worth at least $1000. Hell, it'll cost that much just for a cheapo rebuild on a SBC.
Well, I've told him to make me a fair offer so the ball's in his court. He's a good buddy so I won't tighten the thumb screws. I've already got a 327/700R4 to put in its place and I'll get my pound of flesh out of him and his son on my '55. Between $500 and $1000 it is, then!
An unknown displacement engine that he has seen and heard run. See the initial post for details. Share your thoughts.... Don't be shy!
plus.... a grand is the very top! The RANGE I am looking at (as a fair range) is 500-1000. If you think that RANGE is unfair, let me know why. That's why I started the post: to find out what is fair to both of us.....
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